Cheyenne Motorcyclist Who Died After Rear-Ending Truck Identified

The 25-year-old Cheyenne motorcyclist who died after rear-ending a truck in southeast Cheyenne earlier this month has been identified as Daniel Austin Merrill.

RELATED: Cheyenne Motorcyclist Dead After Rear-Ending Truck

The crash happened at about 12:19 a.m. on Oct. 18 near North College Drive and Campstool Road.

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According to a fatality crash summary from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Merrill and a Dodge Dakota were headed south on North College Drive in the right lane when Merrill rear-ended the truck.

Merrill sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The summary says no helmet was in use and road conditions were wet at the time of the crash, but it does not list any possible contributing factors.

According to his obituary (see below), Merrill, known to all he loved as Bubba, had a heart of gold and would help anyone if he could.

"He will always be known as a protector, caring, and kind," his obituary reads.

His obituary goes on to read, "Austin was a proud member of Nuanes Racing Team. He was the true meaning of RIDE OR DIE brother."

24th Motorcycle Fatality

According to fatal crash statistics from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Merrill is the 24th reported motorcyclist to die on Wyoming's highways this year, and the third young male motorcyclist to die on Cheyenne's roadways since Aug. 28.

RELATED:

• 18-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed in Fiery Crash in Cheyenne Identified
• Motorcyclist Who Died After Crashing Into Cheyenne Building Identified

The state saw 13 motorcycle fatalities in 2023, 20 in 2022, 15 in 2021, and 17 in 2020.

Obituary for Austin Merrill

Austin Merrill, of Cheyenne Wyoming, passed away at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, at the very young age of 25, on October 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 29, 1999, in Longmont Colorado, to Daniel and Lori Merrill. Our family, tribe, and his community have suffered an unimaginable loss, as he was adored, loved, and appreciated by so many.
Austin was known to all he loved, as Bubba. His friends and family know that this young man was loved, he spread joy and offered protection as if he were a big brother to everyone. He would help anyone if he was able to, he would put himself in harm’s way if it meant he could protect you.
It has been said that you didn’t have to ask twice for help when it came to him. Austin lived fast and left too soon but his time on earth will always be cherished. He will always be known as a protector, caring, and kind. The Gentle Giant, who we were so lucky to have had with such a wonderful contagious smile, it would light up a room. But his scowl that would strike fear. He was just pure and accepting. When he hugged you could feel his love, and when he loved he loved hard. Each person that came into his life had their own beautiful individual relationship. He would give you the shirt off his back. Austin had a heart of gold.
He was so smart and blessed with amazing talents. He could build machines and make the run. He had his own business at 9 years old, building and selling go karts. When he was 15, he started working for Gadbury Construction, becoming a master in many construction fields. He spent last summer touring with Tyler Overtime as his security. This team quickly became family that he regarded as “brothers”, they loved and respected him for the man he was. Recently he went to work in an excavator with Full Tilt. He was the most loving, hardworking, and talented young man, his family and friends will ever meet. Whatever he put his heart and mind to he accomplished. Austin was a proud member of Nuanes Racing Team. He was the true meaning of RIDE OR DIE brother.
Austin is survived by his biological father, Daniel Merrill; mother, Lori Merrill; uncle, Bromley Boomer Merrill; little sister, Terra; little brother, Darrin; “little big brother”, Taylor Brown; father, Con Nuanes, Jr.; second mother, Emily Nuanes; brothers, Conrad Nuanes III, Devyn Nuanes, Diego Nuanes; nieces, Olivia and Ellie Nuanes; numerous adopted brother, sisters, god children, cousins, aunts, uncles. He cared for his mother, sister, and brother, and made sure that he protected them at all costs.
His Uncle Boomer says, “Bad Austin’s bad Assery knew no bounds!!” Till we see you Again Bubba! We Love You So Much!!” He will live on forever through memories, laughter, and through the people that he met along the way.
“Till we see you again, Bubba! We love you so much!!”